Saudi Arabia launches student experiments to ISS
The Madak Space competition was created to help space enthusiasts turn their ideas into practical experiments in the ISSs microgravity environment.
The Saudi Space Agency (SSA) has announced that the winning experiments from its Madak Space competition have been launched to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of an international mission that lifted off from NASAs Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. This achievement underscores Saudi Arabias commitment to scientific innovation and developing emerging talent in the growing field of space sciences.
The mission carries 10 student-designed experiments developed by participants from Saudi Arabia and across the Arab world. Selected through the Madak Space competition, the projects explore microgravitys impact on diverse fields such as the arts, plant biology and engineering. The initiative was organised by the SSA in partnership with the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation Misk and the Ilmi Science Discovery and Innovation Centre to encourage young people passionate about space science to turn their ideas into practical research.
The competition drew more than 80,000 registrants from the Arab region, reflecting strong enthusiasm for scientific exploration and innovation. Submissions were divided into three thematic tracks, giving students the opportunity to tackle challenges across multiple disciplines.
The launch marks a significant step in Saudi Arabias broader strategy to strengthen its role in international space programmes while fostering a knowledge-based economy. It also aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to prepare a new generation to contribute effectively to the future of the space sector and drive the countrys scientific and technological progress.
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The Madak Space competition was created to help space enthusiasts turn their ideas into practical experiments in the ISSs microgravity environment. The Saudi Space Agency (SSA) has announced that the winning experiments from its Madak Space competition have been launched to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of an international mission that lifted off from NASAs Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. This achievement underscores Saudi Arabias commitment to scientific innovation and developing emerging talent in the growing field of space sciences. The mission carries 10 student-designed experiments developed by participants from Saudi Arabia and across the Arab world. Selected through the Madak Space competition, the projects explore microgravitys impact on diverse fields such as the arts, plant biology and engineering. The initiative was organised by the SSA in partnership with the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation Misk and the Ilmi Science Discovery and Innovation Centre to encourage young people passionate about space science to turn their ideas into practical research. The competition drew more than 80,000 registrants from the Arab region, reflecting strong enthusiasm for scientific exploration and innovation. Submissions were divided into three thematic tracks, giving students the opportunity to tackle challenges across multiple disciplines. The launch marks a significant step in Saudi Arabias broader strategy to strengthen its role in international space programmes while fostering a knowledge-based economy. It also aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to prepare a new generation to contribute effectively to the future of the space sector and drive the countrys scientific and technological progress.
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